I watched Wall Street last night for the first time in years and noticed that there was actually no inside information given to Gekko about Anacott. Sheen’s character followed Wildman around and witnessed the meeting with accountants and the flight to PA. Then he put two and two together and realized he was buying Anacott. Isn’t this just an example of Mosaic Theory?
it is mosaic theory but the information was also the result of a crime (stalking is a crime in NY state) so there is a basis that the info was obtained by way of an illegal activity. since the info was obtained as a result of a crime and would not have been attained any other way, it would likely be considered insider info and trading on that info is therefore illegal. i’m assuming there is no precedence set for this type of activity so there would be lengthy court case to come to a conclusion such as that. if this were done in a state where there are no stalking laws, i would assume there is no basis to say this is an illegal activity.
Gekko also went on to extort Wildman with that information which would help land Gekko in jail anyway. Wildman could have easily dumped his stock to burn Gekko (which Wildman says is an option in the movie) but due to his love for Anacott he accepts Gekko’s premium offer.
Dang it! I thought I had found a new investing strategy! 
Blue Horse Show LOOOOOOOOOVES Anacott Steel!
LOL
I’m not so certain that the actions displayed by Charlie Sheen in Wall Street would be considered criminal stalking. I’m much more inclined to buy into the mosaic theory on this one than others have indicated.
It’s debateable whether anything Gekko did in the movie was actually illegal at the time when it said the film was taking place (I also don’t think greenmail is the same thing as extortion. There’s no threat of violence).
Here’s a good summary: http://crookedtimber.org/2003/07/21/wall-street/